1998.5 24V 5.9L Horsepower Question

[MAYoung]

Gentlemen:

I have a technical question: When the 24-valve engines were introduced in January 1998, Dodge had two versions--a 215 hp model for automatic transmissions and a 235 hp model for manual transmissions. Yet most of the parts are identical on each engine.

My question is this: How did Cummins/Dodge achieve the difference in horsepower and can a 215 hp model be raised to a 235 hp model? ( I know the answer is yes but what did the stock engines do?)

Thanks for any assistance.

 

[Joe Mc]

I could be wrong but I believe the 215 vs 235 is in the VPs. 215 = SO (std output) 235 HO (high output). I also believe it is critical in the timing that you stick with the pump the engine was built with, IE: when you order a new VP you order like and kind SO for an SO etc. If you are looking to bump horsepower there are many add-ons, but the first thing to consider beforehand are the weak links IE: Standard Trans = clutch, Auto Trans = the trans. You can add power without addressing weak links but in time the weak link will give up and leave you wishing you addressed it first. MHO

 

[Bromiley99]

It must just be injectors, only thing I’ve bought that had transmission questions.

I take that back, last time I bought a VP44 they asked which transmission I had as well!

 

[dblake]

I have the HO pump from the factory. One time under warranty they replaced it with the 215 pump. Truck ran very underpowered until I figured out the mistake but it did run. The HO pump should work for your truck but replacing your injectors with a set of RV injectors would probably be way cheaper. Make sure you install an egt temp guage first though.

 

[Joe Mc]

I suggest looking on the left (driver) side of the timing cover for the engine data plate, get the serial number and any other info you can. With this info any reputable VP shop should be able to tell you what's best. BTW this data place should also have HP rating, I believe this rating is at the flywheel either 215 or 235 = pretty sure on an 98.5/99 24v

 

[Bob4x4]

The so trucks were built in 235 and 215 hp versions.The ho’s were 245 hp.The so’sAnd ho’s had different injection pumps,injectors and programming.

 

[Joe Mc]

The so trucks were built in 235 and 215 hp versions.The ho’s were 245 hp.The so’sAnd ho’s had different injection pumps,injectors and programming.

Thanks for clarifying Bob.

 

[Joe Mc]

http://www.cumminshub.com/timeline.html
Apparently the HO @ 245 HP didn't hit till 01.
MAYoung, according to signature has a 98.5.
Autos were the 215 version and manual trans got the 235.

 

[Terry]

I remember that the guy at Bosch shop that I bought my 275RV injectors from back in 1999 told me that the 1999 Automatic transmission engine had a different stock Bosch injector part# than the manual transmission engine. He said that installing the 275RV injector in an automatic engine would see a bigger increase in torque and horsepower then the manual engine.